What are critical access hospitals primarily known for?

Critical access hospitals are primarily known for offering limited inpatient services. This is a designation given to certain rural hospitals in the United States that allows them to maintain financial viability while providing key healthcare services to underserved areas.

These hospitals are typically designed to operate with fewer than 25 inpatient beds, and they are required to maintain an average length of stay of 96 hours or less for acute care. The primary aim is to ensure that essential healthcare services remain available in rural communities where access to larger hospitals may be limited.

By focusing on limited inpatient services, critical access hospitals can better serve their communities while receiving certain benefits under Medicare and Medicaid programs that support their operational costs. This model is essential for ensuring that rural populations have access to necessary medical care, even if those services are more limited compared to larger facilities.